Code of ethics in media

The code of ethics in media was created by a suggestion from the 1947 Hutchins Commission. They suggested that newspapers, broadcasters and journalists had started to become more responsible for journalism and thought they should be held accountable.

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The guidelines were set up around two important ideas. The first guideline is that "whoever enjoys a special measure of freedom, like a professional journalist, has an obligation to society to use their freedoms and powers responsibly." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 477) This guideline is useful so that people in power are able to be held liable in case their actions are not professional. People that have high media attention should not abuse the power. The second guideline that was established is "society's welfare is paramount, more important than individual careers or even individual rights." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 477) Again, holding people responsible for their actions and stating that society is more important due to the vast number of people that could be affected by poor behavior.

The Hutchins Commission added another five guidelines specifically for the press.

"Clarify the goals and values of society; implicit was an appeal to avoid pandering to the lowest common denominator." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 477)

"Give broad coverage of what was known about society". (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 477)

All of these guidelines are important because the press is needed to maintain a neutral viewpoint, providing the basic facts and allowing for readers to come up with their own opinins from the news that they report.

The Society of Professional Journalists created a code of ethics that are in effect today. The main mantra of the code is "Seek truth and Report it!"(Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478) The code also states that: "Journalists should be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, reporting, and interpreting information. Journalists should:"

"Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible."(Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing."(Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Never plagiarize." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even, when it is unpopular to do so." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing on those values on others." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperiences sources or subjects." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or guilt." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves that do public officials and others who seek power, influence, or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)

"Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel, and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office, and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity." (Straubhaar, LaRose & Davenport, Pg 478)